The 133km-long stage was made up of repeated 12km circuits around downtown Long Beach, and it was UnitedHealthcare’s Tanner Putt and Holowesko-Citadel’s Andrei Krasilnikau who escaped the clutches of the peloton from the gun.

The duo were never allowed a gap much bigger than two minutes, however, and the inevitable catch was made with a lap to go. Going under the kilometre-to-go banner, it was Gaviria’s Quick-Step Floors squad at the head of affairs, and when Gaviria started his final sprint he never looked like being beaten.

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The Colombian will now wear the leader’s yellow jersey for Monday second stage between Ventura and Gibraltar Road.